Category Archives: Health

Female physicians challenge the status quo

Posted on by

Local doctors discuss gender perceptions and career challenges

Delta Digital News Service

By Courtney Edwards | Aspiring Journalist

JONESBORO, Ark. – It’s no secret the medical profession is male dominated. However, women outnumber men in six out of 43 medical specialties in the U.S., according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Those specialties include pediatrics, OB-GYN, ped hematology/oncology, child psychiatry, internal med/pediatrics and geriatrics.

Stereotypes in the Medical Field

When it comes to the stereotype of men pursuing careers as doctors while women go only into nursing, A-State Professor of Philosophy Michele Merritt, PhD, states that although not entirely untrue, the inaccurate notion behind the stereotype could be causing more women to pursue nursing rather than more advanced medical degrees.

“The thing about stereotypes is that they are not entirely false,” Merritt said. “They are overblown and oversimplified depictions of something based in reality. This doesn’t mean that all women ​in the medical field go into nursing, of course. In any case, there is definitely an imbalance. This is changing, but change happens gradually.”

Merritt explained a phenomenon called “stereotype threat.” It involves a prevailing stereotype actually affecting someone’s performance in a specific field.

“So, for example, if you keep pushing the stereotype that girls cannot do math, and girls hear this message, they do not do well in math in school,” Merritt said. “If you instead empower them and build them up, their scores go up.

Merritt says she doesn’t have definitive evidence that’s why more women go into the field of nursing, but believe that the ‘men are doctors and women are nurses’ prevailing stereotype hampers the pursuit of women into field.

“I don’t have any proof that this is occurring in nursing, but my guess is that stereotype threat is keeping women from pursuing more advanced medical careers because many of them don’t believe they are capable.”

Equality During Training

Although men outnumber women in advanced medical practices, it doesn’t mean women aren’t treated equally among them.

Dr. Stacy Wilbanks specializes in wound care at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. She said she felt was always treated equally during her training.

“I didn’t feel that I was at any disadvantage for being a female,” Wilbanks said.

Two other female physicians from NEA Baptist also said they never felt they were at any disadvantage, but they also recognize they live in a time of change.

Dr. Lauren Barr, a resident specializing in internal medicine, said she feels lucky to live in a time where she is able to choose to pursue a professional career in medicine.

“I think that medicine traditionally has been a very male-dominated field,” Barr said. “I’m fortunate enough to pursue medicine at a time that’s starting to shift. I do think some of those old attitudes of ‘women are the homemakers. They are supposed to have children’ are still there.”

Barr also said even though these attitudes still exist, they are much less prominent than she originally thought they would be. Considering some of the stories she’s heard from her older colleagues, she said she feels fortunate she hasn’t had to go through some of the things they have.

As an OBG/YN, Dr. Jodi Turano said she felt being a female has actually helped her professionally rather than hinder her. Still, she said she’s experienced some gender discrimination in her career.

“I have had run-ins with certain people post residency that kind of treated me slightly different because I’m a female,” Turano said. “I don’t know if that’s definitely the case, but that’s how I took it.”

The Gender Pay Gap

According to the AAMC, in 2019, women working in medical institutions were still being paid less than their male counterparts. The gender pay gap can be explained by women leading towards careers in lower-paying medical specialties.  Women are also more likely to choose flexibility over higher salaries, especially if they have children.  

“Because I want to spend as much time with my kids, I recognize that I am not going to make as much money as the guy who’s willing to spend every other weekend working extra shifts,” Wilbanks said.

Turano said if women go through the same training as men, the pay gap shouldn’t be there. “We go through the same training as a male physician,” she said. “We shouldn’t be treated any differently.”

Although women still face challenges in the medical field, times are changing. Change is gradual, but as more women enter the medical field, the more represented and equal they feel.

“We are already busting this stereotype mentally, but our practices are slow to catch up,” Merritt said. “I think one thing that we need to be constantly reminded of is that ‘men’ and ‘women’ are terms that describe two gender identities and do not have much (if anything) to do with capabilities or aptitude.”

Note: Featured image shows from left, physicians Lauren Barr, Stacy Wilbanks and Jodi Turano.

Coronavirus symptoms plague student

Posted on by

By Courtney Edwards | Aspiring Journalist
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO, Ark. – COVID-19 cases in Arkansas have been declining, but people are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.

Arkansas State University junior, Shannon Johnson of Batesville, was exposed to coronavirus last year. Although research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests it can take up to two weeks after exposure to feel any symptoms, Johnson said she felt symptoms the day after being exposed and decided to get tested. It was positive.

Johnson said the loss of her taste and smell affected her the most while she was sick. Now, however, her sense of taste and smell have returned (for the most part), but she’s experiencing trouble breathing.

Arkansas State University student Shannon Johnson discusses her plight dealing with the post-Covid-19 symptoms.

“Around Jan. 22, I started being unable to breathe properly,” Johnson said. “And so, I had to go back to the doctor, and they were like, ‘so COVID has affected your lungs a little bit in the aftermath, so you’re going to have to start carrying around an inhaler.’”

“And so, I had to go back to the doctor, and they were like, ‘so COVID has affected your lungs a little bit in the aftermath, so you’re going to have to start carrying around an inhaler.’” 

– Shannon Johnson

Johnson said she had perfectly good lungs before being infected with coronavirus and never had to use an inhaler. As a music major, the ailment makes it difficult for her to play her favorite instrument, the saxophone.

Johnson’s goal is to become an elementary music teacher but hopes her struggles with post COVID symptoms won’t interfere with her goals. Johnson’s parents, Ben and Tina Johnson, said they were proud of how well their daughter has adjusted after having the coronavirus.

“We raised her to face her challenges [and] step up and do what you’ve got to do,” her father said. “I realize it’s been tough on her, but she’s been handling it.”

“I realize it’s been tough on her, but she’s been handling it.”

– Ben Johnson (Shannon’s father)

Johnson visited the A-State Student Health Center (SHC) operated by New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State, known as the NYITCOM at Arkansas State University Medical Clinic.

According to Johnson, the medical professional she saw told her that nothing looks physically wrong with her lungs. They didn’t give her a time frame describing how long her symptoms could last. They only told her it would take time to feel normal again.

“The doctor said, ‘you need to work your lungs back [to normal]. They might not come back to what they used to be, but there’s a possibility that they will,’” Johnson said. “It’s like 50/50 is what they told me.”

Gavin Lesnick, public information director for the Arkansas Department of Health, said it was unknown why some people with no preexisting conditions may suffer from long-term symptoms of COVID-19.

“Some young people may have medical conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19 complications,” Lesnick said. “In general, we find that severe COVID-19 cases are less likely in younger people than in older people.”

Johnson’s parents said Johnson is covered by Trustmark health insurance provided by her mother’s workplace, White River Medical Center. According to Johnson’s parents, the insurance covered all of her medical expenses up to the deductible. Johnson will be able to stay on this insurance plan until she is 27.

Although the symptoms took a hard toll on Johnson, she said the hardest part about having coronavirus was having to miss her family during Christmas.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO LEARN MORE OF JOHNSON’S COVID-19 EXPERIENCE.

COVID-19 – A Mild Case Could Result in Long-Term Symptoms


Courtney Edwards is a multimedia journalism senior in The School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University. She can be reached at courtney.edwards@smail.astate.edu.

Lawrence County deals with rise in coronavirus cases

Posted on by

By Courtney Edwards
Delta Digital News Service

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – Lawrence County continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Arkansas Department of Health reported a total of 685 confirmed cases as of Oct. 21.

“We are closely monitoring the cases in Lawrence County, as well as the rest of Arkansas, and are taking steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 going forward,” Gavin Lesnick, public information director for the Arkansas Department of Health, said. “These steps include making testing available throughout the state and educating people on the importance of simple precautions that can make a big difference like wearing face masks, keeping a safe distance from others in group settings and washing hands frequently.”

The county reported 134 new known cases over the past week according to USAFacts, a non-profit organization which offers a non-partisan portrait of the U.S. population. There were 747 cumulative confirmed and probable cases as of Tuesday compared to 613 reported on the previous Tuesday. 53 cases were reported in one day on Oct. 15.

Along with 134 new cases, the county also reported two new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total to 15. The total of recovered cases, however, was 518 as of Wednesday with the total of active cases at 150.

Local businesses have noticed the increase in cases recently. Although, it doesn’t directly affect most businesses, the pandemic has still implemented many changes for them.

“The way we have to do things is so different,” Erika Shields, owner of Shields Home Medical Equipment in Walnut Ridge, said. “That’s where it’s impacted us and been so stressful.”

Shields said the business has had to make changes to the way they handle equipment, how they get the equipment to customers, and even how they handle customers in person.

“Things are a lot less personal than it used to be. We’re a small, locally-owned business, so that’s super important to us,” Shields said. “We’re happy to do a lot of curbside or delivery.”

Shields said although the pandemic has changed the way she runs her business, she’s grateful for her own and her staff’s health. She said her staff has been exposed to COVID-19 from customers who came in before being diagnosed, but no one has tested positive from Shields Home Medical Equipment.

Out of the 747 cases reported in Lawrence County on Tuesday, many of them may be reflected in the number of cases from the Lawrence Hall Nursing Center. ADH reported 120 residents had tested positive as of Monday. 112 of these cases were reported to still be active while six have recovered and two have died. In addition, 62 staff members have tested positive.

“We never like to see cases increase and each death is a tragedy,” Lesnick said.

Lawrence County reported a relatively low number of new cases of COVID-19 throughout the early months of the year, with the highest number of new known cases in one day being 13 cases reported on Apr. 30. Reported cases started depleting in May all the way through July with many days reporting zero new cases. Although Lawrence County peaked in cases around April, it seems as though cases will start to arise with colder weather.

More active cases of COVID-19 were reported in Lawrence County during September and October than ever before. The state of Arkansas reported a total of 95,399 confirmed cases as of Oct. 20 according to ADH.

“The number of cumulative cases shows the extent to which COVID-19 can spread and underscores how important it is to be proactive in preventing continued transmission,” Lesnick said.

The ADH reported a total of 636 hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in Arkansas on Wednesday. Of those hospitalized, 99 are on ventilators.

“Patients with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested,” Lesnick said. “Testing is available in a number of places, including by appointment at local health units in every county in Arkansas. If a patient tests positive, they will need to isolate to prevent exposing others while they are infectious. They should check with their health care provider as symptoms develop or worsen.”

To help communities remember how to help stop the spread of COVID-19, ADH released directives on how to stay safe during the pandemic. Lesnick said a way people can help is “adhering to the Three W’s: wear a face mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands.”

Note: Featured photo by Courtney Edwards

COVID-19 hampers holiday, economy

Posted on by

By Yu Bai
Delta Digital News Service

The first Monday in September is the traditional Labor Day in the United States. However, due to the impact of COVID-19, most people recognized the holiday at home rather than attending public settings.

Jonesboro physician Chance Smith stayed home for the holiday. “I did have a barbecue, and I swam with friends and family only on Labor Day,” said Smith.

Smith practiced safety precautions by staying home and only being close to those familiar to him.

To contain the spread of COVID-19, the city Jonesboro strongly encourages residents to keep social distance and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.

Businesses such as restaurants and bars are limited to takeout or delivery while personal care services, and gyms have been closed.

Slowing customer traffic has caused small businesses to have limited profits limiting funds for overhead costs. The city provides some grants and loans to help these companies survive the temporary closures and loss of customers.

Director of Communications for Jonesboro Bill Campbell said, “We have built reserves to get through what we call ‘rainy days,’ which means the periods of emergency or catastrophe or anything like that.”

Employment in the leisure and hospitality industry has always been a dominant area of Jonesboro’s economy, and the permanent closure of these businesses will make many people in Jonesboro unemployed.

Labor Finders is a temporary staffing and employment agency in Jonesboro, which provides good short-term services for those who are unemployed. It can immediately provide jobs for people who need to find a job and pay a daily salary.

Debra Dunaway, the assistant manager of Labor Finders, said, “ We provide construction workers and construction clean up, and we give them money right away when they’re in need.”

However, Dunaway said that they did not recruit too many workers to work in recent days compared with before because so many things are shut down right now.

Jessica Tran is a local resident whose parents have a business. “My parents were forced to close their business for a few months due to a mandate ordered by the governor. As for me, I actually had a job as a desk assistant. However, when the virus started spreading more, everyone was sent home, including me.”

The epidemic has suppressed the development of many private small businesses, and it also has diminished the government sales tax. Companies continue to develop their business while expanding social distancing requirements to stimulate economic recovery.

Fitness buffs embrace new earbuds

Posted on by

By Brooke Buckner
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — Anticipation of the next generation of fitness earbuds and Apple AirPods is at an all-time high.

Fitness earbuds are wireless earbuds that have Bluetooth capabilities. Walmart employee Katherine Martin said, “Fitness earbuds are only called fitness to appeal to the fitness crowd… it is good advertising.”

The perks of fitness earbuds are that they are convenient for those with disabilities. The devices are water resistant and because of their design, stay in your ears well.

Martin not only sells earbuds at the retail store, but also uses the product. However, Martin said she chooses to wear normal earbuds because she hasn’t found the need to wear the wireless ones.

Logan Bonner, an AirPods owner, said he prefers fitness earbuds because they are more convenient, especially when he travels.

Bonner thinks people buy fitness earbuds like AirPods more than regular earbuds because, “even if they are not into fitness, they are more convenient.”

AirPods are compatible with most phones and have a microphone in each bud. This allows for voice calls while wearing them.

Bonner said when he works out, he prefers wearing beats wireless headphones because they are better at staying in place during intense movement.

Bonner said he would recommend AirPods because they are quick and easy to operate.

Target store employee Billy Simpson said although the fitness earbuds don’t have wires and are more portable with noise cancellation, he uses regular earbuds and thinks his store sells more of the regular type compared to the fitness.

Simpson predicts they will sell more of the next generation AirPods, once they are released, instead of the original AirPods and that he would recommend Beats brand to somebody looking to purchase fitness earbuds.

Raising age limit may prevent adolescent addiction to e-cigarettes

Posted on by

By Colby Sigears

Delta Digital News Service

Watermelon Rancher flavored liquid for electronic cigarettes is pictured here. E-cigarettes come in a variety of flavors.

JONESBORO – If began at an early age, tobacco products may cause harm to individuals in their adolescent years. For some, raising the age limit for the purchase of tobacco products may be the solution to thwarting potential health risks.

Charlina Smith, a store manager at a local Jonesboro tobacco shop said electronic cigarette sales for young adults continue to grow at her store.

“More adults purchase the e-cigarettes for children…we turn parents away for picking up e-cigarette flavors for their children,” Smith said.

Arkansas House Bill 1519, introduced by Rep. Lee Johnson, R-Greenwood, would allow people only 21 and older to purchase tobacco, vapor, alternative nicotine or e-liquid products in Arkansas unless they have a military ID.

“They help with cardiac problems and not as bad as people think,” she said.

Sebastian Hanner, a cashier at Kum & Go said most people did not know of a recall on Juul e-cigarettes before they hit the market in Jonesboro.

“They were a piece of (expletive), originally killing people. They recalled flavors because they contained benzoic acid,” Hanner said.

Although awareness of the potential dangers of e-cigarettes has grown, the state may be unwilling to change its laws seeing as how sales from the product bring in more money to the state.

“Sales would be affected but it is necessary, it’s easy for a minor to purchase them,” Smith said. “We can card all day and they still could get them.”

Candace Cline, an employee at Vape Maven said, vaping helped her quit her smoking addiction.

“I have been vaping for six months and it helped me stop smoking when I got pregnant,” she said.

Two cities in the state have raised the minimum age to 21, Harrison and Helena-West Helena. Surgeon General, Gregory Bledsoe, said the age shift would positively impact collective health for decades to come.

“I did not have to spend as much money, got better sleep and was more relaxed when I switched to vaping,” Cline proclaimed.

 

Hemp Substance Helps Patients, Too

Posted on by

by Denton Postlewait
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – Cannabidiol or CBD happens one of the fastest growing medical substances in the world. The legal substance derived from hemp can be used to treat a variety of conditions.

The differences between the two compounds are microscopic. Although not marijuana, CBD often gets grouped in with the drug. CBD can be collected from hemp, the male plant used in growing marijuana. Hemp contains little or no tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana. According to Dr. Dane Flippin, owner of Arkansas Progressive Medicine, CBD can reduce chronic pain, inflammation and treat diseases like neuropathy.

46946668464_7ac5a6c100_k

CBD Flower. Photo by Denton Postlewait

“For some people, it works a lot better,” he said. “It seems to work a lot better than the Lyricas, Gabapens and Cymbalta. At least what I’ve been told by patients.”

J.D. Fisher manages the Vapor Maven store on Johnson Avenue in Jonesboro. He said his wife suffers from cerebral palsy and that CBD has relieved some of the symptoms associated with it.

“Since she’s been using the Shaman’s Reach Honey Shots, she hasn’t had a seizure in about four years. She’s able to sleep and walk without a crutch sometimes,” he said. “It’s been really beneficial.”

Vapor Maven carries two CBD products produced in Arkansas. CannaBlast comes from Springdale, while Shaman’s Reach is made in Jonesboro by Emerald’s Triangle.

Medical marijuana became legal in Arkansas back in 2017. Now, two years later, dispensaries around the state started selling the medicine in May 2019. NEA Full Spectrum, a medical marijuana dispensary, will open in Brookland later this year.

47683081122_c6004f4b1e_k

Shaman’s Reach Pet CBD. (Photo by Denton Postlewait)

CBD remains legal, but still faces the same scrutiny as marijuana.

Haylie Slater works for Emerald’s Triangle, running the company’s blog and overseeing research. She said the reason CBD still gets negative press comes from a lack of knowledge.

“It comes from ignorance. That’s the best word to describe it,” she said.

Flippin said although CBD works for some people, others do not respond unless the product they take contains THC.

“There’s just something magical when you add the THC,” he said. “It acts as a catalyst.”

Many places in the United States sell CBD products. In Jonesboro, it can be found at almost any pharmacy, gas station or grocery store in one form or another. Places like Super V Drug, Cash Saver, Emerald’s Triangle and Vapor Maven all carry some form of CBD products.

However, not all products are made the same. Slater and Flippin both said before starting a regiment of CBD to research developers and distributors. Not all CBD products are pure. Some products tested possessed high levels of THC. If consumed, a product containing too much THC-infused CBD could cause a person could potentially fail a drug test. To fail a drug test using a product containing pure CBD, a person would need to consume at least their body weight in grams. To be sure of a product’s purity, Emerald’s conducts third-party testing on all products they carry, along with competitors’ products. These can be found at one of three Emerald’s locations in the region.

Fisher said the reason he believes CBD carries a negative stigma is people get bad information on the internet.

“I think people don’t get the right information online,” he said. “They don’t want to walk into a vape store and ask a bunch of questions and think they are getting the right answers, so they go onto the internet.”

Slater said the reason marijuana receives such a negative stigma comes from its illegal Schedule 1 classification.

“The most friction that we receive on it is the legality of it,” she said. “How it is never OK to break the law.”

Flippin said because Arkansas legislation did not approve the sale of medical marijuana until recently, patients traveled to surrounding states to buy it. Flippin said some families move to states where medical marijuana is legal so they can use the medicine.

“We’ve had people travel to other states where it is legal; we’ve had people go to Oklahoma now,” he said. “They call back and say it changed their life.”

Slater said work blogging and researching gives people access to the information so they can form their own opinions.

“My basis, my agenda, my prerogative with being involved with the blog and the research is to inform … bottom line,” she said. “It’s to inform people about the benefits and the way an herb can completely change your life.”

Before starting any health regiment, both Slater and Flippin said to talk to a doctor to explore all potential treatments. To obtain a medical marijuana card, a person must be evaluated by a medical professional.

 

‘Race for the Cure’ more than just a 5K

Posted on by

By Chase Gage
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — The third annual Northeast Arkansas Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Arkansas State University will take place April 27. For breast cancer survivors, the race hits close to home.

The Race for the Cure nation-wide event raises money for breast cancer research. In 2017, the race found its way to Jonesboro for the first time. The 5K is primarily a fundraiser, but it also inspires hope.

Elizabeth Forehand, a local breast cancer survivor, will be participating in her fourth Race for the Cure this year. She survived her 2014 diagnosis after four surgeries.

“It was a shock to hear. No one wants to hear ‘cancer.’ I had the attitude that I have to fight this. I have a life to live, so let’s do this,” Forehand said. “Just being around other survivors and sharing our stories and being able to see that all these people have beaten cancer, it’s just awesome. It’s very encouraging.”

The race encourages survivors to participate by hosting a survivor breakfast at 7 a.m. followed by a survivor parade just prior to the race. The race itself will start at 9 a.m.

KODAK Digital Still Camera

Participants walk in the 2018 Race for the Cure in Jonesboro. The 2018 race raised over $330,000. (Photo by Chase Gage)

Other pre-race events include a “pink pasta party” and the “Men’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” race, where men “run” a mile in heels.

Contributions are welcomed in several forms, including participation and donation. Donations of any amount are welcomed, with registration costing at least $25.

Northeast Arkansas race chair Amanda Herget said the goal is to raise $400,000 this year.

“Our goal with this race is to get awareness out, not just to Jonesboro but to all of the communities (in Northeast Arkansas),” Herget said. “The money that we raise gets sent to Komen and then redistributed to Northeast Arkansas through grants to purchase things such as mammography machines and buses for transportation (for those that need it).”

Several local entities, such as St. Bernards Healthcare, Gearhead Outfitters, East Arkansas Broadcasters and others, are fundraising through the race’s website. Kara Richey, host of The Weekday Red Zone” on 95.3 The Ticket, is fundraising for the third consecutive year. With this years’ donations, her fundraising total has exceeded $5,000 in total.

“They’ll use a lot of this money to fund things like free mammograms early testing in Northeast Arkansas and around the state. I love that our money stays local,” Richey said.

Breast cancer has played a large role in Richey’s life. At 12 years old, she lost her mother to breast cancer, and her aunt is a survivor of the deadly disease. These personal experiences fuel her fundraising efforts.

“Unfortunately, this disease has been in my life for a very long time, and I hope that one day we can finally cure it so we don’t have to do this anymore,” she said.

Women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a rate of one out of eight. Every 13 minutes, a woman in the United States dies from the disease. Worldwide, that number jumps to one per minute. Every little bit makes a difference.

Save Pets From Frigid Temps

Posted on by

By Chase Gage
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – Frigid temperatures may be inconvenient for humans but pets have a tougher time combating the weather.

When temperatures plummet into the teens and single digits, commuters don extra layers of warm clothing such as scarves and mittens to stay warm. But pets do not have the same options.

The Humane Society changes much of its routine when temperatures get so harsh.

“It’s definitely an issue,” said Kelly Pickering, kennel manager at the NEA Humane Society. “On Jan. 31, it was 18 degrees with a windchill of 8, so we couldn’t even take out two rows of animals at a time. We would only take out about two dogs apiece, clean two kennels, get them dry and bring those two back in. They weren’t outside more than 15 minutes.”

Weather permitting, these animals typically stay outside from breakfast to lunch (around 1:30 p.m.) while their kennels get cleaned. The cold weather forces the process to speed up and keeps the animals caged longer than normal.

Some dogs have the luxury of taking human-like precautions, but they need a bit of assistance.

cagedPups

Caged puppies wanting attention during the polar vortex. Too young to be put with the general population, they got a cage all to themselves. (Photo by Chase Gage)

“With some of our smaller or malnutrition dogs, we put sweaters and jackets on them. I’ve never had a crew that likes to dress dogs up as much as our current crew. It’s not a chore to them. They thoroughly enjoy it,” Pickering said.

Homeless pets may be regulated during these conditions, but pets with homes face similar dangers. Depending on the breed of the dog, warm and cool temperatures will affect them differently.

“Any time the weather gets below freezing, there should be some serious consideration on bringing your dogs inside,” said Ancel Jines, a local dog trainer. “It varies based on what breed of dog you have and how acclimated it is to the weather.”

Jines said some breeds, such as huskies and German shepherds, have multi-layered coats that keep them warm during harsh conditions. However, dogs such as beagles and dachshunds have single-layered coats that aren’t much longer than a human eyelash. These animals struggle to stay warm in the cold, especially when it gets below freezing.

The weather itself is of great concern to pets, but diseases during cold weather may be more dangerous. The polar vortex itself may not cause direct harm to animals in the region, but its effects very well could.

“The key to animal health is cleanliness,”” Pickering said. “We have to be really cautious about overcrowding. When we have a large population and they’re not getting out and just being confined, that’s when you’re set up for an outbreak of disease. We just have to watch out for abnormal behavior. At the first sign of anything unusual we get them to our medical team.”

Melissa Grigsby, a veterinary kinesiologist at Hilltop Veterinary Hospital, said there have been no reported cases cold-related injury but claims the weather is still very much a concern.

“We haven’t had any specific cases recently (directly attributed to the cold weather). However, due to the rain and the cold, we have had a lot of parvo cases come up,” Grigsby said. “Just because we haven’t seen any cases yet doesn’t mean they’re not out there. We would worry about shelter, water being frozen, stuff like that if they’re outside.”

During harsh weather, make sure to take care of loved ones, especially the four-pawed kind that cannot care for themselves.

Gym Helps Combat Veterans

Posted on by

***

by Miranda Reynolds
Delta Digital News Service

PARAGOULD – Organizations across Northeast Arkansas work with veterans to get them more involved; gym memberships give some another option.

CrossFit Cathal, located in Paragould and owned by Randy Vest, reaches out to veterans in the surrounding communities to help those in need. The gym has been supportive of nonprofit organizations since opening.

CrossFit Cathal joined forces with Rivers of Recovery to reach out to more veterans. Rivers of Recovery works to take veterans on trips at no cost to the veteran. Vest and Levi Crawford, Rivers of Recovery’s marketing director, knew each other from a previous encounter.

They met in 2009 during a tour in Afghanistan. During the one-year tour, Crawford suffered serious injury from direct and indirect fire. It caused him to lose vision in one eye. This caused Crawford to become involved in Rivers of Recovery.

“Upon coming home and transitioning from military life to hospital life, to civilian life, is when I was fortunate enough to go on a trip with Rivers of Recovery.  It helped me a great deal in a very hard and uncertain time in my life. After the trip, I stayed in contact with the organization and decided that it was my duty to help the organization and provide other combat veterans with the experience and help I was to grateful to receive,” Crawford said.

Vest’s decision to join forces with Rivers of Recovery came easily to him due to the local aspect of the organization.

“The reason I chose Rivers of Recovery is because it supported local veterans. These are people that are walking around in your community, they’re actually veterans I served with,” Vest said.

CrossFit Cathal gives veterans an opportunity to work with other veterans in a more personal way, said level one instructor Caroline Jarrett.

“It’s more personal this way because every class has a coach and you find your members coming to you with issues going on in their lives whereas in a regular gym, there’s somebody probably manning the door and they’re letting you do whatever you want to do,” Jarrett said.

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects many veterans. Vest said CrossFit Cathal can be one way to battle it.

“People deal with their PTSD differently: some seek counseling, others have hobbies, some people come in here and just want to sling some weight and breathe heavy, get it out of their system. That’s their therapy,” Vest said.

The partnership between the two allows Crawford to see veterans focus on their personal health.

“A goal I am already seeing being accomplished is providing our past participants a place welcoming of veterans to socialize and focus on their physical health which plays a large role in a person’s mental health,” Crawford said.

In 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, a total of 252,279 veterans reside in Arkansas. CrossFit Cathal, Rivers of Recovery and numerous other organizations continue to serve veterans in the natural state.

Faith, family help man battle cancer

Posted on by

By Keith Turner
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — When doctors told an Arbyrd, Missouri man that he had cancer in his lower-right lung, he laughed in disbelief.

The diagnosis came last June after doctors discovered a spot on Michael March’s lung during a checkup after he had issues with blood flow.

It shocked him; he didn’t feel anything was wrong.

“I didn’t even feel sick,” he said.

But before long, he was whisked away into a series of tests, scans and doctors appointments.

“We weren’t leaving one appointment before they were calling us for the next one,” said his wife, Yuronda March.

Everything lined up and moved very quickly, the couple explained. March’s treatment consisted of six weeks of radiation and two rounds of chemo.

“When we walked into the chemo lab for the first time, I realized, ‘Mike, you’ve got cancer,'” he said. “But when I walked in there and saw the faces on them, there was so much hopelessness.”

March cried when he realized what the patients around him were going through, and then made a vow to always have a smile on his face in the radiation lab.

“There were so many in there that were going through far worse than what I was going through,” he said.

Keith-Cancer01

Michael March poses with “George,” his well-dressed IV tower. (Courtesy of Yuronda March)

He realized firsthand the impact that positivity can have on cancer patients and committed himself to providing that positivity. While undergoing chemotherapy through St. Bernards Healthcare, the couple stayed at St. Bernards Villa.

“It was a blessing, it was such a blessing,” Yuronda said.

They utilized their time at the Villa to minister to others, even holding church in the Villa’s chapel. The family was stunned by the kind treatment they received at the Villa.

“The workers there didn’t treat us like we were cancer patients; they treated us like we were family,” March said.

The care and treatment they received at St. Bernards boosted their hope and morale. Committed to remaining hopeful, March stayed strong emotionally and in his faith.

March has been ministering to others for 18 years, and said his faith played a major role in giving him the strength to get through his journey. The children at his church, New Life Christian Center of Rector, wanted to do something in support of him. So, they gathered and prayed over a prayer cloth to give to him.

“That spoke to my heart and spoke to my wife’s heart,” March said.

Keith-Cancer02

Michael has a smile on his face, even during chemotherapy.(Courtesy of Yuronda March)

March saw the battle with cancer as an opportunity to minister with others, and now hands out prayer cloths that his church has prayed over to other patients.

“Had it not been for God allowing us to go through this journey, I would have never stepped in a chemo lab, I would have never stepped in a radiation lab. I would have never seen it,” March said.

For many years, March worked hard and provided for his family. It was how he was raised to be, he said. When he received the diagnosis, he worried about how he would take care of his wife.

So he was beyond thankful when his daughters, sons-in-law, friends and family all stepped up to offer as much help as they could.

“Out of the woodwork, just blessings,” Yuronda said.

During treatment, March got a craving for a classic treat, Banana Flips. After telling his cousin and his wife about the craving, the family members realized the product is no longer sold in the state, or anywhere nearby. So, the two drove all the way from Doniphan, Missouri to Jonesboro to deliver a special, homemade Banana Flip cake, which March shared with the other patients.

The experience has given March and his family a new outlook on life.

March is healed by the Lord, he said, and has decided to no longer receive chemotherapy. He will soon begin receiving a form of immunotherapy.

“We take advantage of what’s in front of us and we take for granted what we have,” he said.

March still experiences pain, cramps and coughs caused by the radiation. But whenever the doctors tell him how much he’s improved, he tells them the same thing:

“It’s only because of God.”

Community gathers for Cancer Survivor

Posted on by

by Ana Maria Baquero
Delta Digital News Services

JONESBORO — A recent benefit helped a cancer survivor who has beat many odds during his life.

People around the community, including family and friends, hosted a benefit show at Cregeens in honor of Noah Reeves. Reeves’ mother, Autumn, gave her thoughts on how this event benefits her son.

“It is going to be able to help us go back and forth to St. Jude without having to worry about paying for bills, rent and utilities and its just helps out in ways you don’t think of when all of a sudden you just cannot work,” she said.

Laura Kimbrell, a supporter of the event, wanted to thank the community for supporting Noah.

“I’ve seen Noah grow up so it’s close to my heart. I’ve been friends with his grandmother for 20 years and I think the community has been wonderful to Noah and his family,” Kimbrell said.

Noah receives treatment five days every week. His father, Chris, takes him to Memphis.

“I spend most of my days driving Noah back and forth to St. Jude and seeing what options there are,” father Chris Reeves said. ” I think this is going to benefit him by just making his dreams come true.”

His parents and friends appreciate all of the support that they can get. Those wishing to donate may call 870-919-2684 or 870-897-6831.

 

NEARK Hepatitis A outbreak continues

Posted on by

by Keith Turner
Delta Digital News Service

Hep_A_Map_10.26.18_update

This map displays the reported cases of hepatitis A by county, showing a high concentration of cases in Northeast Arkansas. (Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Health)

JONESBORO — Health officials in Northeast Arkansas report as many as 182 cases of hepatitis A since February as part of an outbreak throughout the area. 

Students at Arkansas State University experienced a scare when a food-service worker employed through A-State’s food service provider, Sodexo, was reported to have a potential case of hepatitis A. A-State no longer employs the worker. 

A-State Chancellor Kelly Damphousse sent an Oct. 25 email to students, faculty and staff detailing the situation, and assuring the public all appropriate food-safety procedures were in place to limit exposure.

“I want to assure you that it is safe to eat in the Acansa Dining Hall. I ate breakfast there this morning, and I will be eating lunch there today,” Damphousse wrote in the email.

The Arkansas Department of Health held vaccination clinics at the Craighead County Health Department and on A-State campus for anyone concerned about potential exposure. However, officials reassured the public that the virus was restricted to the single employee, and not found in the food or any other sources.

“There is not an outbreak of hepatitis A at Arkansas State University, and there is no documented foodborne case,” A-State officials said in a statement.

A-State officials reviewed Sodexo’s various food handling procedures, including the continuous wearing of gloves, appropriate hand-washing technique and regular sanitization of the food-preparation area. Michael Wonderly, Sodexo’s director of campus operations for A-State, said employees are trained in these procedures according to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points policy standards to ensure the safety of the food.

A highly contagious liver infection, symptoms of hepatitis A can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, diarrhea, clay-colored stool, joint pain and jaundice (yellow of the skin and eyes). Wonderly said Sodexo policy tells employees to stay home if they have fever, vomiting or diarrhea, and employees are sent home if they present any symptoms at work.

hepatitis A vaccination

Sandra Holland receives her hepatitis A vaccine from Debra Cook, LPN, during a clinic at the Craighead County Health Unit. (Photo by Keith Turner)

“This particular employee also showed no symptoms that would have had us send them away for medical attention before being allowed to return to work, so when the employee notified us we took the proper measures and informed the university which was also informed by the Health Department,” Wonderly said. All Sodexo employees also received vaccinations.

ADH spokesperson Meg Mirivel advised the risk of getting hepatitis A through a food service setting is low, and hepatitis A is being spread primarily through close contact in the community.

Several groups are at higher risk for contracting hepatitis A, according to the ADH, including people who have direct contact with someone who has hepatitis A, travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common, men who have sexual contact with men, people who use both injection and non-injection drugs and household members or caregivers of a recent adoptee where hepatitis A is common. Health officials advise these groups to receive a hepatitis A vaccine.

The ADH said besides the vaccination, the best way to prevent hepatitis A is practicing good hand hygiene and thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.

« Older Entries Recent Entries »